
Indonesia's 10-Year Golden Visa Explained for 2026
Indonesia's Golden Visa offers long-term stays of 5 or 10 years for qualifying investors and talent. Here is what Bali residents need to know.
Indonesia's 10-year Golden Visa is a long-stay residence visa granted to foreign nationals who make a significant financial investment in Indonesia or who qualify as global talent. It gives holders the right to live in the country for a full decade without the hassle of annual renewals, making it one of the most attractive long-term options available to expats and digital nomads choosing Bali as a base.
What the Golden Visa Actually Is
The Indonesian Golden Visa was formally launched by the government as part of a broader push to attract high-value foreign residents and investment. It sits outside the standard Kitas or Kitap framework and is issued directly under an immigration regulation that ties residency to financial commitment rather than employment or family sponsorship.
There are two main validity tiers. The 5-year Golden Visa and the 10-year Golden Visa. Both are multiple-entry, meaning you can leave and re-enter Indonesia freely during the validity period. Neither tier requires you to have a local employer or a local sponsor in the traditional sense, which is a major practical advantage for remote workers and retirees.
Investment Thresholds for the 10-Year Tier
The investment requirements differ depending on whether you are applying as an individual or as a corporate entity, and whether you are investing in an Indonesian company or placing funds into state-owned instruments.
For individual applicants in 2026, the most commonly cited pathway is placing a minimum of USD 350,000 into an Indonesian state-owned enterprise or depositing that amount in a designated fund that supports Indonesian economic development. Some applicants instead invest in their own Indonesian legal entity, in which case the threshold rises to roughly USD 700,000 in paid-up capital, though you should verify exact current figures with a licensed immigration consultant before applying, as thresholds can be adjusted by ministerial decree.
Corporate applicants face higher thresholds, typically starting at USD 700,000 for the 5-year tier and USD 1,000,000 or above for the 10-year tier. These numbers reflect investment into Indonesian-based companies rather than passive fund placements.
For globally recognised talent, including athletes, academics, and artists, a separate track exists that does not require a capital investment but does require documentation of your achievements and an endorsement from a relevant Indonesian government body.
How to Apply and What to Expect in Bali
Applications are processed through the Directorate General of Immigration. In Bali, the main immigration office is located in Renon, Denpasar. Most applicants work with a local visa agent or immigration lawyer to prepare the paperwork, which typically includes proof of funds, a valid passport, a clean criminal record certificate, health documentation, and a cover letter outlining your purpose of stay.
Processing times in 2026 typically run between two and six weeks once your documents are complete. The Golden Visa stamp is placed in your passport and you also receive a physical residence card. You are not required to spend a minimum number of days per year inside Indonesia to maintain the visa, which makes it flexible for people who travel frequently.
Once approved, holders can open Indonesian bank accounts more easily, sign long-term lease contracts directly in their name, and access certain government services that short-stay visitors cannot.
Practical Life in Bali on a Golden Visa
For expats already living in Bali, the Golden Visa removes a significant layer of annual administrative stress. You no longer need to track 60-day extensions or arrange annual sponsor renewals through a local employer or PT PMA company. That alone saves considerable time and legal fees each year.
From a lifestyle perspective, nothing changes about where you can live or work remotely. Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, and Sanur remain the most popular areas for long-term residents. Monthly costs for a comfortable life in Bali in 2026 still range from roughly USD 1,500 to USD 3,500 depending on neighbourhood, accommodation type, and lifestyle preferences.
It is worth noting that the Golden Visa does not grant the right to work as a local employee for an Indonesian company. Remote work for a foreign employer is widely practiced and generally tolerated, but formal local employment still requires a separate work permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely on an Indonesian Golden Visa?
Working remotely for a foreign employer while living in Bali on a Golden Visa is widely practiced in 2026. The visa does not authorise local employment with an Indonesian company, but remote work for overseas clients or employers operates in a practical grey zone that most long-term residents navigate without issue.
Is the Golden Visa better than a Kitas for living in Bali long term?
For people who can meet the investment threshold, the Golden Visa is generally more convenient than a Kitas. It lasts up to 10 years, requires no local employer sponsor, and allows free entry and exit. A Kitas tied to a PT PMA or employer involves annual renewals and more ongoing administrative overhead.
Does the Indonesia Golden Visa lead to permanent residency?
The Golden Visa itself is not a direct path to a Kitap permanent residency card by default, but Indonesian immigration policy continues to evolve. Holding a long-term visa and demonstrating consistent legal residence does strengthen any future permanent residency application. Consult an immigration lawyer for the most current guidance on conversion pathways.
Can my spouse and children be included on my Golden Visa?
Dependent family members including a spouse and minor children can typically be included in a Golden Visa application or added as dependents after approval. Each dependent receives their own residence document tied to the primary applicant's visa validity. Additional fees apply per dependent.
Where do I start the Golden Visa application process in Bali?
Most applicants begin by consulting a licensed immigration consultant or legal firm based in Bali who specialises in investor visas. They will review your financial documentation, guide you through the correct investment channel, and liaise with the Directorate General of Immigration on your behalf. The main immigration office in Bali is in Renon, Denpasar.
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